Do you need a filament dryer? For PETG, TPU, ASA, ABS, nylon and polycarbonate, a dryer is basically required, according to 3DPrintSOS, a YouTube channel that tested nine filament dryers. Wet filament can print brittle and stringy, while the same spool, dried and printed with the same settings, usually prints much better.
Most filaments soak up moisture from the air, and in the hotend it turns to steam that causes popping, bubbles and rough surfaces, according to 3D Print Dood, a YouTube channel that tests 3D printing gear. If you don’t want to buy one yet, your printer’s heated bed can do the job for free.
What a Filament Dryer Does
Most filaments are hygroscopic, meaning they soak up moisture from the air. PLA, PETG and especially nylon are affected. In the hotend, that moisture turns to steam, causing bubbles, popping sounds, and stringy or rough prints. A dryer gently heats the spool, like a low-temperature oven, while vents let the humid air escape (3D Print Dood, “What is a Filament Dryer? And Do You Really Need It?”).
Do You Need One?
For PETG, TPU, ASA, ABS, nylon and polycarbonate, one tester says a dryer is basically required. Wet filament can clog a hotend or print brittle and stringy, while drying the same spool, with the same settings, usually gives a much better print (3DPrintSOS, “I TESTED 9 FILAMENT DRYERS SO YOU CAN HAVE BETTER PRINTS!”).
Free Option: Dry Filament on Your Printer
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You can set the spool on the heated bed, cover it with a cardboard box (such as the filament box), and set the bed temperature. Some enclosed printers have a built-in filament drying setting. The downside is that you can’t print while it’s drying (3DPrintSOS, “I TESTED 9 FILAMENT DRYERS SO YOU CAN HAVE BETTER PRINTS!”). The Bambu Lab P2S Combo’s AMS 2 Pro has built-in drying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PLA need to be dried?
PLA absorbs moisture too, though less than nylon. If you see stringing or hear popping, drying can help.
Can I dry filament without a dryer?
Yes. Many people use the printer’s heated bed with a box over the spool, but you can’t print at the same time.
What filaments need drying most?
PETG, TPU, ASA, ABS, nylon and polycarbonate are the ones creators say benefit most.
Sources
- 3D Print Dood, “What is a Filament Dryer? And Do You Really Need It?”
- 3DPrintSOS, “I TESTED 9 FILAMENT DRYERS SO YOU CAN HAVE BETTER PRINTS!”
Related: Bambu Lab A1 Review | Best 3D Printer for Beginners | Best Budget Multicolor 3D Printer
Notes and disclosure
Note: The tips below are summarized from the linked YouTube creators and Bambu Lab’s own video. Watch them for the full steps, and follow your printer maker’s official guide when in doubt. My own hands-on notes will be added after my planned test.
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